Spring is just around the corner, and thoughts of new landscaping are on everyone’s mind. But something very old is one of the newest and most modern trends occupying people’s minds: gabions — wire cages filled with natural stones that blend harmoniously into the landscape. They are the latest idea being suggested by many landscape contractors and architects for new homes and homes being renovated.
Q: All the large pines on my property have branches that are turning brown in some form or another.
Q: My home is being overrun. Since the weather is getting warmer, I have noticed a large increase in ants and roaches. I must kill them. Tell me how.
Presidents Day weekend is one of the busiest times for home goods sales, so it’s a great time to stock up on those big-tag items, particularly mattresses.
Right now is the time to prune grapes. Prune citrus now if there has been damage from cold weather. If your citrus is young, prune it to tree form, removing side shoots to about the height of your knees. I delay pruning citrus and grapes until I am sure most of the cold weather has passed, which is mid- to late February.
Few people realize that a child’s room is one of the most challenging of all spaces to design. You may wonder, how difficult can it be? After all, what do children really know about design? Surely they’d be satisfied with a comfortable space of their own as long as they have their favorite toys, a comfy bed, TV, etc.
Why stick to the usual Valentine’s Day fare of flowers and heart-shaped boxes of candy when you can give a gift that will be treasured all year long? Buying a gift for the home can represent your love for someone special — or to yourself — in a much more fabulous and forever way.
Q: Recently you recommended applying compost to lawns. I am confused if you mean steer manure. How often do you recommend doing this? When should I do my first application? My lawn is approximately 1,000 square feet. How much compost should I buy?
Q: I replaced a bathroom vanity and now need to install a mirror above it. What is the safest way to do this?
Dear Gail: This is more of just a general question versus a decorating problem. I’m just curious what trends you’re seeing in pet products for our homes. — Stephanie
